Automatic photosensitive material developing machine and photographic processing solution replenishing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automatic photosensitive material developing machine supplies a solid processing solution to be dissolved according to consumption of processing solution for a silver halide photosensitive material to be treated. The developing machine includes a solid processing solution supplying section for supplying the solid processing solution from a solid processing solution cartridge containing the solid processing solution, and a solid processing solution transferring section for receiving the solid processing solution supplied by the solid processing solution supplying section in a bucket, and for transferring the bucket upward.

TECHNICAL ART

This invention relates to an automatic developing machine forphotosensitive materials and a photographic processing solutionreplenishing apparatus having a reduced size, improved workability,highly improved chemical and stability and a reduced replenishmentrequirements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A silver halide photosensitive material (hereinafter sometimes referredto as a sensitive material or a photographic material), after beingexposed, is subject to processes including development, desilverization,cleaning, and stabilization. In the development process, a black andwhite developing solution or a color developing solution is employed; inthe desilverization process, a bleaching solution, a bleach fixingsolution, and a fixing solution are employed; in the cleaning process,tap water or ion exchange water is employed; and in the stabilizationprocess, stabilizing solution is employed. The solutions for carryingout these processes are known as photographic processing solution.

The processes can be carried out by an automatic photosensitive materialdeveloping machine (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an automaticdeveloping machine), which allows a sensitive material to besequentially transferred through tanks containing the above photographicprocessing solutions. The term automatic photosensitive materialdeveloping machine used herein refers generally to a developing machineincluding a development section, desilverization section, a cleaning orstabilization section, and a drying section and further including meansfor automatically transferring the photosensitive material in order.

For carrying out these processes with the automatic developing machine,a photographic processing solution replenishment system is in common andwide use to keep the activity of photographic processing solutions inthe tanks constant. Specifically, a required amount of replenishingsolution is supplied from each replenishing tank to each tank atappropriate times so as to ensure the proper functioning of therespective of the processes. In this system, it is common that thereplenishing solutions themselves to be stored in the replenishing tanksare produced in a different location from the replenishing tanks and aresupplied to the tanks as needed. In addition, the following manual stepsare generally performed.

Photographic processing solutions for a silver halide photosensitivematerial (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a photographic processingsolution), which are commercially available in the form of powder orconcentrated liquid, are prepared into adequate solution for practicaluse by manually dissolving the concentrated powder in a required amountof water or diluting the concentrated liquid with a required amount ofwater. Some replenishing tanks are placed alongside the photosensitivematerial developing machine and require substantive space for placementof them. Further, the recently increasingly popular mini laboratory isstructured so that the replenishing tanks are incorporated in theautomatic photosensitive material developing machine, but it is stillrequired to find room for placing the replenishing tanks in the machine.

If the automatic developing machine is modified such that the processingtanks in which the processing solutions for treating silver halidephotosensitive material are stored are associated with dissolution tanksin such a manner that solid processing solutions can be supplied to anddissolved in the dissolution tanks according to consumption of theprocessing solutions, the following results can be acheived: that theautomatic developing machine is downsized; that the manual work fordissolution is eliminated; that processing system is improved instability of photographic performance; and that low-pollution system isachieved which is capable of saving or eliminating the use of plasticcontainers which are in general use for storing the photographicprocessing solutions.

In this modification, when a solid processing solution supplying sectionis located over the dissolution tanks associated with the processingtanks so that the solid processing solutions can be dropped directlyfrom the solid processing solution supplying section into the processingtanks, the supply mechanism can be simplified in structure. However,some automatic developing machines can have difficulty in locating thesolid processing solution supplying section at a position over thedissolution tanks': For example, there may be cases where the solidprocessing solution supplying section could hinder maintenance of theprocessing tanks or the dissolving tanks. Also, when the solidprocessing solution supplying section is in humid surroundings,condensation occurs to contribute to a development of rust and leak.Even if some moisture protection is given to the solid processingsolutions vulnerable to humidity, the solid processing solutions canabsorb some moisture to cause alternation in quality and deteriorationin supply with their expanding into a mass, sticking together, orsticking to other elements. To avoid these problems, it may be practicalthat the solid processing solution supplying section for allowing thesolid processing solutions to be supplied to the related processingsolutions is arranged at a location different from the processing tanksand the dissolving tanks. For realization of such an arrangement, itcomes to be an important issue how to smoothly supply the solidprocessing solutions without being caught or clogged when supplied inone row or more rows.

Further, the solid processing solutions are held in a solid processingsolution cartridge. For providing adequate room for the cartridge andensuring its operability, the cartridge may be required to be loaded byfor example its being inserted into the solid processing solutionsupplying section disposed vertically. With this structure for thecartridge to be loaded by insertion, the solid processing solutioncartridge is easy to drop. Because of this, a locking mechanism orequivalent is provided so that the cartridge can be locked when insertedfor attachment and be unlocked for removal for replacement of it. Withthe locking mechanism, configuration it is impossible for an operator toattach and remove the cartridge with his/her one hand. In addition, atthe time of unlocking the locking mechanism and removing the solidprocessing solution cartridge, it is necessary for the operator to holdthe cartridge inconveniently with his/her both hands. Besides, providingthe locking mechanism requires an increase in the number of parts andleads to complicated structure and reduced reliability. Also, when thelocking mechanism is unlocked, care is needed not to drop the solidprocessing solution cartridge and thus it is difficult to use.

Further, after the solid processing solution cartridge is set to thesolid processing solution supplying section, the solid processingsolutions in the cartridge are supplied by operation of the solidprocessing solution supplying section. Disadvantageously, the solidprocessing solution supplying section can operate when the time has cometo supply the solid processing solutions, even if the cartridge is notyet set in the solid processing solution supplying section for, forexample, replacement of the cartridge. When the solid processingsolution supplying section operates with the solid processing solutioncartridge not yet set in the solid processing solution supplyingsection, there may arise a problem in that dust or paper occurring inthe work may drop into a solid processing solution inlet opening tocause a jamming which contributes to machine trouble.

This invention has been made with the aim of solving the above problems.It is the object of the invention as set forth in claims 1 to 8 toprovide an automatic photosensitive material developing machine whichenables a smooth and sure transference and supply of the solidprocessing solutions, with a structure which is simple and compact insize, when the solid processing solution supplying section is providedat a location different from the processing tanks and the dissolvingtanks and which is also below those tanks.

It is the object of the invention as set forth in claims 9 to 11 toprovide a photographic processing solution replenishing apparatus whichenables elimination of possible problems occurring when the solidprocessing solutions are supplied from the solid processing solutioncartridge set vertically. Especially, it is the object of the inventionas set forth in claim 9 to provide a photographic processing solutionreplenishing apparatus which enables the solid processing solutions,when supplied, to be collected and be smoothly supplied without hitchingor jamming. Further, it is the object of the invention as set forth inclaims 10 and 11 to provide a photographic processing solutionreplenishing apparatus which enables the solid processing solutioncartridge to be held by means of a simple structure to provide improvedworkability.

Also, the object of the invention as set forth in claims 12 and 13 is toprovide a photographic processing solution replenishing apparatus whichenables the solid processing solution cartridge to be easily attached ordetached with one hand to provide a further improved operability.Further, the object of the invention as set forth in claim 14 is toprovide a photographic processing solution replenishing apparatus whichenables a solid processing solution inlet provided in the solidprocessing solution supplying section to be protected against cloggingof rust, paper or the like to diminish a risk of malfunction and machinetrouble, so as to achieve improved durability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the above objects, according to the invention of claim 1, anautomatic photosensitive material developing machine, for supplying asolid processing solution to be dissolved according to consumption ofprocessing solution for a silver halide photosensitive material to betreated, comprises a solid processing solution supplying section forallowing the solid processing solution to be supplied from a solidprocessing solution cartridge containing said solid processing solution,and a solid processing solution transferring section for allowing thesolid processing solution discharged from the solid processing solutionsupplying section to be contained in a bucket and be transferred upward.

The invention according to claim 2 is featured in that the automaticphotosensitive material developing machine, further comprises carriagepath for allowing the solid processing solution delivered from saidbucket to be carried toward the processing tanks.

The invention according to claim 3 is featured in that said solidprocessing solution transferring section is located between said solidprocessing solution supplying section and said processing tanks.

The invention according to claim 4 is featured in that said bucket ismovable up and down along a cover and has a bottom slanted toward thecover, so that said solid processing solution contained in the bucket iscarried upward with said cover and is fed into said carriage path at aposition corresponding to an opening formed on the cover.

The invention according to claim 5 is featured in that two or more solidprocessing solutions are contained in said bucket via a partitionplate(s) and also are supplied into said carriage path at positionscorresponding to openings which are so formed on a cover as to bedifferent in vertical level from each other.

The invention according to claim 6 is featured in that said bucket ismovable up and down along a cover and the solid processing solutioncontained in said bucket is movable upward and can be brought intocontact with a cam guide, with its upward movement, so as to be pushedout by said cam guide at a position corresponding to an opening formedon said cover, so as to be fed into said carriage path.

The invention according to claim 7 is featured in that said bucket ismovable up and down along a cover and thus the solid processing solutioncontained in said bucket is movable upward, said bucket being tilted bya cam at a position corresponding to an opening formed on said cover sothat the solid processing solution can be fed into said carriage path.

The invention according to claim 8 featured in that said bucket isformed so that it can move up and down along a cover, together with abucket holder and a shutter for preventing the solid processing solutioncontained in said bucket from contacting with said cover, said shutterbeing prevented from its upward movement in the course of the upwardmovement of said bucket by a shutter stopper provided before an openingformed on the cover, whereby said bucket can be raised together withsaid bucket holder and the solid processing solution contained in saidbucket can be fed into said carriage path at a position corresponding tothe opening formed on the cover.

The invention according to claim 9 is directed toward a photographicprocessing solution replenishing apparatus, for supplying solidprocessing solutions to be dissolved according to consumption ofprocessing solutions for a silver halide photosensitive material to betreated. The apparatus comprises a dropping track for allowing theplurality of solid processing solutions to drop by gravity into aplurality of supplying paths for the solid processing solutions to befed in, said dropping track comprising a plurality of dropping passageswhich permit the solid processing solutions at the endpoints of thedropping track to be kept in substantially the same attitude, saidphotographic processing solution replenishing apparatus furthercomprising a solid processing solution transferring section fortransferring the solid processing solutions to the endpoints of saiddropping track.

The invention according to claim 10 is directed toward a photographicprocessing solution replenishing apparatus, for supplying solidprocessing solutions to be dissolved according to consumption ofprocessing solutions for a silver halide photosensitive material to betreated wherein a solid processing solution cartridge containing thesolid processing solutions, is inserted therein. The apparatus comprisesa solid processing solution supplying section, which is constituted sothat said solid processing solution cartridge can be set in a positionfor the solid processing solutions to be supplied from, and a holdingmeans, for preventing drop of said solid processing solution cartridge,provided at a position where said solid processing solution cartridgecontaining the solid processing solutions is inserted.

The invention according to claim 11 is featured in that said holdingmeans for holding said solid processing solution cartridge is formed ofspring steel.

The invention according to claim 12 is featured in that said holdingmeans for holding said solid processing solution cartridge is formed bya solid processing solution cartridge holding element which is providedat the front ends thereof with rollers.

The invention according to claim 13 is featured in that the holdingmeans for holding the solid processing solution cartridge is formed by asolid processing solution cartridge holding element which is provided atthe front ends thereof with folded portions having slippery members atthe inside thereof.

The invention according to claim 14 is also directed toward aphotographic processing solution replenishing apparatus for supplyingsolid processing solutions to be dissolved according to consumption ofprocessing solutions for a silver halide photosensitive material to betreated wherein a solid processing solution cartridge containing thesolid processing solutions, is inserted therein. The apparatus comprisesa solid processing solution supplying section, which is constituted sothat said solid processing solution cartridge can be set in a positionfor the solid processing solutions to be supplied from, and a sensingmeans for sensing an inserting motion of said solid processing solutioncartridge inserted, so that a resulting signal issued from the sensingmeans enables the solid processing solution supplying section to operateto supply the solid processing solutions contained in the solidprocessing solution cartridge.

According to the invention of claim 1, in the case where the solidprocessing solution supplying section is located at a place differentfrom the processing tanks and the dissolving tank and below those tanks,the solid processing solution delivered from the solid processingsolution supplying section can be carried upward with its contained inthe bucket. This can provide the results that with the structuresimplified by use of the upward movement of the buckets, the automaticdeveloping machine can be made compact in size and also a smooth andreliable carriage of the solid processing solutions can be ensured.

According to the invention of claim 2, after the solid processingsolutions delivered from the solid processing solution supplying sectionare carried upward with their contained in the buckets, the solidprocessing solutions delivered from the buckets are transported towardthe processing tanks by the carriage paths. This ensures a smooth andreliable carriage of the solid processing solutions toward theprocessing tanks.

According to the invention of claim 3, the solid processing solutiontransferring section is located between the solid processing solutionsupplying section and the processing tanks. This enables the automaticdeveloping machine to be made compact in size and also enhances a smoothand reliable carriage of the solid processing solutions to theprocessing tanks.

According to the invention of claim 4, the bottom of the bucket isslanted to the cover, and the solid processing solution contained in thebucket is carried upward with its held by the cover and is fed into thecarriage path at an opening provided at the cover. This can provide theresult that the solid processing solution can be carried with simplestructure using the bucket in combination with the cover.

According to the invention of claim 5, two or more solid processingsolutions are carried upward by the bucket and are supplied into thecarriage path at openings which are so formed on the cover as to bedifferent in vertical level from each other. Thus, surplus upwardmovement can be omitted so that the time required to supply the solidprocessing solutions can be shortened, while also the two or more solidprocessing solutions can be carried upward and fed toward the processingtanks, with simple structure.

According to the invention of claim 6, the solid processing solutionmoving upward is brought into contact with the cam guide and is pushedout by the cam guide at a position corresponding to the opening formedon the cover. Thus, the supply of the solid processing solution to thecarriage path can be made with simple structure utilizing the upwardmovement of the solid processing solution.

According to the invention of claim 7, the bucket is tilted by the camat a position corresponding to an opening formed on the cover. Thus, thesupply of the solid processing solution to the carriage path can beeffected with simple structure using the cam.

According to the invention of claim 8, the solid processing solution,contained in the bucket movable upward along the cover, can be protectedfrom contacting with the cover to avoid wear or fly-off the worn solidprocessing solution, when it is carried upward and fed into the carriagepaths. Also, only the shutter can be hindered from its upward movementby the shutter stop provided before (beneath) the opening of the cover,so that the bucket and the bucket holder can be further raised together.This ensures that the solid solution contained in the bucket is fedtoward the processing tanks from the opening of the cover.

According to the invention of claim 9, a dropping track, which is forallowing the plurality of solid processing solutions to drop by gravityinto a plurality of supplying paths for the solid processing solutionsto be fed in, comprises a plurality of dropping passages and permits thesolid processing solutions at the endpoints of the dropping track to bekept in substantially the same attitude. Thus, a plurality of solidprocessing solutions can be collected and supplied smoothly withoutclogging or jamming.

According to the invention of claim 10, a holding means for preventingdrop of the solid processing solution cartridge is provided at aposition where the solid processing solution cartridge containing thesolid processing solutions is inserted. Thus, the solid processingsolution cartridge can be held by the holding means with a simpleinsertion loading. This allows the solid processing solution cartridgeto be held with simple structure and also allows an operator to attachor detach the cartridge even with his/her one hand, thus provingimproved workability.

According to the invention of claim 11, the holding means for holdingthe solid processing solution cartridge is formed of spring steel, sothat for example simply bending a sheet of spring steel allows the solidprocessing solution cartridge to be grasped and held so as not to drop.This requires the reduced number of parts and adjustment-free, thusenabling the holding means to be hard to breakage and ensuring theholding action.

According to the invention of claim 12, the solid processing solutioncartridge holding element is provided at the front ends thereof withrollers. Free rotation of the rollers which occurs when the solidprocessing solution cartridge is attached or detached facilitates theattachment or detachment of the solid processing solution cartridge withone hand, thus providing further improved operability.

According to the invention of claim 13, the solid processing solutioncartridge holding element is provided at the front ends thereof withfolded portions each having a slippery member at the inside. At the timeof attaching or detaching the solid processing solution cartridge,sliding effect of the slippery members facilitates the attachment ordetachment of the solid processing solution cartridge with one hand.

According to the invention of claim 14, the solid processing solutioncartridge inserted in the solid processing solution supplying section issensed by the sensing means, and the sensing result determines theoperation of the solid processing solution supplying section. This canavoid a possible risk that the solid processing solution supplyingsection may operate under the state that rust, paper or the like is inan solid processing solution inlet of the solid processing solutionsupplying section. Thus, the clogging of rust, paper or the like can beprevented and a possible risk of machine trouble or malfunction can bediminished, thereby achieving improved durability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a photosensitive material developing machine;FIG. 2 is a plan view of the photosensitive material developing machine;FIG. 3 is a right side view of the photosensitive material developingmachine; FIG. 4 is a diagram of carriage path of solid processingsolution; FIGS. 5(a)-5(c) are views showing a solid processing solutioncartridge; FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a solid processing solutionsupplying section; FIG. 7 is a side view of the solid processingsolution supplying section; FIG. 8 is a front view of a part of thesolid processing solution supplying section; FIG. 9 is a plan viewshowing a holding means in an attaching condition; FIG. 10 is a explodedperspective view of the holding means; FIG. 11 is a perspective view ofa variant of the holding means; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mainpart of another variant of the holding means; FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) areviews showing a modified solid processing solution cartridge; FIGS.14(a) and 14(b) show a modification to restrict insertion of the solidprocessing solution cartridge; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of acollecting unit; FIG. 16 is fragmentary side view partially broken awayof the collecting unit; FIG. 17 is a plan view of a solid processingsolution transferring section; FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken alongthe line of XIV--XIV of FIG. 13; FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken alongthe line of X V--X V of FIG. 13; FIG. 20 is a diagram of control circuitof the solid processing solution transferring section; FIG. 21 is aflowchart of operation of the solid processing solution transferringsection; FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b) are explanatory views of a variant of thesolid processing solution transferring section;. FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b)are views of another variant of the solid processing solutiontransferring section; FIG. 24 is a yet another variant of the solidprocessing solution transferring section; FIG. 25 is a front view of aseparate-setting replenishing unit; FIG. 26 a right side view of theseparate-setting replenishing unit; FIG. 27 is a front view of aphotosensitive material developing machine to which the invention isapplied; FIG. 28 is a plan view of the photosensitive materialdeveloping machine; FIG. 29 is a left side view of the photosensitivematerial developing machine; FIG. 30 is a right side view of thephotosensitive material developing machine; FIG. 31 is a perspectiveview of a rough arrangement of a supplying portion of the solidprocessing solution supplying section; FIG. 32 is a perspective view ofthe supplying portion of the solid processing solution supplyingsection; FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the supplying part of the solidprocessing solution supplying section; FIG. 34 is a schematic diagramillustrating a supply in the solid processing solution supplyingsection; FIG. 35 is an illustration of an example for supply of twotablets of solid processing solutions; FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) areillustrations of a modified bucket; FIGS. 37(a) and 37(b) areillustrations of a further modified bucket; FIG. 38 is a perspectiveview of a solid processing solution cartridge in a setting condition;FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the solid processing solution cartridgeas set in place; FIGS. 40(a) and (b) are perspective views showing thesolid processing solution cartridge in a sensing condition; FIG. 41 is aschematic perspective view of another embodiment of the solid processingsolution transferring section; FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective viewof a bucket holder and a shutter of the another embodiment of the solidprocessing solution supplying section; FIGS. 43(a) and 43(b) areillustrations showing the bucket holder and the shutter of the anotherembodiment in an operating condition; FIG. 44 is a plan view of amodified shooter; and FIG. 45 is a longitudinal section view of themodified shooter.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, one example of the photosensitive material developing machine towhich the invention is applicable will be described with reference tothe drawings.

The following detailed description first deals with a photosensitivematerial developing machine in which a solid processing solutionsupplying section is located at a location different from processingtanks and above the processing tanks. Referring to the drawing, FIG. 1is a front view of the photosensitive material developing machine; FIG.2 is a plan view of the photosensitive material developing machine; FIG.3 is a right side view of the photosensitive material developingmachine; and FIG. 4 is a diagram of carriage path of solid processingsolution.

A photosensitive material developing machine 1 comprises a photoprinting machine A integral with an automatic paper developing machine Bfor developing a photographic paper. The photo printing machine Acomprises a printing section 10, a display section 11, and an operatingsection 12. On an upper part of the machine, magazine storing sections13 are mounted to set magazines each containing a rolled printing paperwhich is an unexposed, silver halide photosensitive material. In theprinting section 10 of the photo printing machine A, photographic imageis subjected to exposure on the printing paper drawn out of the magazinein the magazine storing section 13. The exposed printing paper isintroduced into the automatic paper developing machine B.

The automatic paper developing machine B comprises a processing section20, a drying section 21, and a controlling section 22. The printingpaper is subjected to development process in the processing section 20and then to drying in the drying section 21 to thereby produce aphotographic print, and thereafter the resulting print is carried to apan of an order sorting machine not shown or a recovery table 23 to beretrieved therefrom. The processing section 20 includes processing tanks24 comprising a color development tank 24a, a bleaching-fixing tank 24b,and a three-tier stabilizing tank 24c. The printing paper is transferredin order through these processing tanks so that it can be subjected tocolor development process, bleaching and fixing process, andstabilization process, respectively. It is noted that while theautomatic paper developing machine B is described herein as comprisingpractically three-tier tank comprising a color development tank, ableaching-fixing tank and a stabilizing tank, it is not necessarilylimited to this construction. The automatic paper developing machine mayalternatively comprise practically four-tier tank comprising a colordevelopment tank, a bleaching tank, a fixing tank, and a stabilizingtank.

The automatic paper developing machine B includes a photographicprocessing solution replenishing apparatus 30 for allowing solidprocessing solution J to be added to the color development tank 24a, thebleaching-fixing tank 24b, and the stabilizing tanks 24c. Thephotographic processing solution replenishing apparatus 30 comprises asolid processing solution supplying section 40, a solid processingsolution collecting section 50, a solid processing solution transferringsection 60 and dissolving tanks 70.

The solid processing solution supplying section 40 and the solidprocessing solution collecting section 50 are housed in a case 25 whichis attached to a side wall of the drying section 21. The solidprocessing solution supplying section 40 comprises a loading portion 41and a supplying portion 42 which are arranged for respective dissolvingtanks 70. The loading portion 41 loads solid processing solutioncartridges 2 each containing the solid processing solutions J to be usedfor the processing solution in each of the processing tanks 24. Thesupplying section 42 operates so that solid processing solutions J canbe fed from a selected solid processing solution cartridge 2.

The following detailed description deals with the solid processingsolution cartridge 2. FIG. 5(a)-5(c) illustrate views of the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 containing a tablet type of solidprocessing solution J. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view including a partiallybroken section of the same; FIG. 5(b) is a side elevation view of thesolid processing solution cartridge 2; and FIG. 5(c) is a front view ofan opening of the solid processing solution cartridge 2 from which asliding lid 5 is removed.

The solid processing solution cartridge 2 comprises a container body 331of a hollow square pole-like shape, able to contain two or more tabletsof solid processing solutions J; an outlet member 2c having an aperturewhich communicates with an opening at one end of the hollow containerbody 331 and permits the solid processing solutions to be deliveredtherefrom; and the sliding lid 5 movable up and down along a trackportion 332A of the outlet member 2c.

Three partition walls 331S are fixed to an inside of the container body331 so as to be integral therewith, so that the inside of the containerbody 331 is partitioned into four divided rooms 331A, 331B, 331C and331D. With contacting with an outer periphery of each solid processingsolution J having a generally cylindrical shape, each of the dividedrooms can contain about ten tablets of solid processing solutions J in atandem arrangement. Specifically, the first divided room 331A containsten solid processing solutions J1A-J10A, the second divided room 331Bdoes equal numbers of solid processing solutions J1B-J10B, and likewisethe third and fourth divided rooms contain equal numbers of solidprocessing solutions J1C-J10C and J1D-J10D, respectively.

Each divided room of the container body 331 is provided at the bottomthereof with a projecting bar 331E which makes a point contact with theouter periphery of the solid processing solution J to facilitatemovement of the solid processing solution J. The projecting bar allowspowder fallen out of the solid proceeding solution J to be dropped fromthe top of the projection bar 331 E. The powder fallen out of the solidprocessing solution J falls from the projecting bar 331E and collects ina grooved part of the bottom. Thus, the powder stuck to the grooved partcould not give any harm because the solid processing solution J moves onthe projection bar 331 E.

Tracks 332A are formed on two opposite outside sides of outlet apertureof the outlet member 2c and are slidably fit into grooves 5b formed ontwo opposite sides of the sliding lid 5. Projections 5a projecting fromtwo opposite ends of a lower portion of the sliding lid 5 are engagedwith an open-close regulation member 121 mentioned later so that thesliding lid 5 can be automatically opened or closed. Further, pins 2bproject from two opposite sides of the outlet member 2c so as to beinserted into guide grooves 109D of the loading portion 41 mentionedlater.

The solid processing solution cartridge 2 is pressed at its rear surface333A by a pressing member 114C of the loading portion 41 mentioned laterso as to be press-fitted on a reference plane of the supplying portion42. Discriminating pins 2e are formed on the rear surface 333A of thesolid processing solution cartridge 2 so as to be integral therewith, inorder to prevent a wrong setting of a wrong selected solid processingsolution cartridge 2.

The following detailed description deals with the solid processingsolution supplying section 40. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the solidprocessing solution supplying section; FIG. 7 is a side view of thesolid processing solution supplying section; FIG. 8 is a front view of apart of the solid processing solution supplying section; FIG. 9 is aplan view showing a holding means in an attaching condition; FIG. 10 isa exploded perspective view of the holding means; FIG. 11 is aperspective view of a variant of the holding means; and FIG. 12 is aperspective view of a main part of another variant of the holding means.

A fixed frame 109, a housing 110 integral with the fixed frame, and adriving means 111, of the loading portion 41 of the solid processingsolution supplying section 40, are fixed at a side of a unit body 112. Asupport shaft 113 projects from both side plates 109A of the fixed frame109 at the nearly upper end thereof, as viewed in the figure. Thesupport shaft fits in a hole of each of arms 114A fixed to both sides ofa holding member 114 to hold the solid processing solution cartridge 2.The holding member 114 is thus adapted to swing around the support shaft113. Fixing pins 115, 116 are planted on each of the side plates 109Aand each of the arms 114A, and tension springs 117 are provided undertension between the fixing pins. Thus, the holding member 114 isenergized to swing in a clockwise direction, as shown by a chain line,and is allowed to be held in its original position before loading, withits stopped at a front left position at which a bottom of the holdingmember 114 abuts to a stopper 109B projecting toward top left as viewedin the figure.

The holding member 114 is provided with a holding means 118 for holdingthe solid processing solution cartridge 2 at the top portion thereof inwhich the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is inserted. The holdingmeans 118 is formed of spring steel and is made by a sheet of springsteel being folded into a U-like shape to form a mounting portion 118aand holding portions 118b at each side of the mounting portion 118a.Further, the mounting portion 118a is folded at the center part to forma guide portion 118c. Each of the holding portions 118b is folded insidein a protruding manner at the front end to form a bending portion 118d.

The holding means 118 is clamped to the holding member 114 with itsmounting portion 118a fixed to a top end of the holding member 114 withscrews 119 and its holding portions 118b catching an upper portion ofthe holding member 114 from the outside. The bending portions 118dformed at the front ends of the holding portions 118b project insidefrom windows 120 formed on both sides of the holding member 114 andengage with stepped portions 2a formed on two opposite sides of thesolid processing solution cartridge 2, so as to hold the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2. The guide portion 118c provided at aforward part of the holding means 118 serves as a guide for the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 when inserted from below.

The each fixed frame 109 is provided at the nearly bottom part thereofwith a rising portion 109C, in which a guide slot 109D of a circularshape centering around the support shaft 113 is provided. After loadedwith the solid processing solution cartridge 2, the holding member 114is pushed to swing around the support shaft 113, so that a bottom endportion of the holing member 114 is pressed in a direction shown by C asillustrated. The guide pins 2b of the solid processing solutioncartridge 2 then move into the guide slots 109D while they are pressedby the pressing member 114C of the holding member 114. The furthest partof the guide slot 109D is formed to be an I-shaped slot 109E with itsbent into a I-like shape. When guide pins 2b of the solid processingsolution cartridge 2 pressed by the pressing member 114C are moved intothe I-shaped slot 109E, a forward part of the outlet member 2c of thesolid processing solution cartridge 2 is brought into close relationwith an inlet 110A of the housing 110 of the supplying portion 106.

At a forward part of the inlet 110A of the housing 110 of the supplyingportion 42 is fixedly provided a open-close regulation member 121 forregulating the opening and closing of the sliding lid 5. When the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is pushed from its original position (achain line as illustrated) in a direction of C as illustrated to anintermediate position, the projections 5a of the sliding lid 5 isrestrained from moving further by the open-close regulation member 121.When the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is pushed further to beswung, since the sliding lid 5 is held stationary, an aperture of theoutlet member 2c of the solid processing solution cartridge 2 isgradually opened. When the solid processing solution cartridge 2 isthrust up to a position to be stopped, the opening is fully opened, sothat the one at the forefront of the solid processing solutions in thesolid processing solution cartridge 2 is fed into the supplying portion106.

The supplying portion 42 comprises the housing 110; a rotatable rotor122, rotatably housed in the housing 110 and having a pocket portion122A, for receiving a required amount of solid processing solution Jfrom the inlet 110A and moving it to the outlet 110B; and a shuttermember 123 to open or close the outlet 110B.

Around a marginal portion of the aperture at the end of the inlet 110Aof the housing 110 a frame-like elastic packing 124 is embedded, sothat, when the aperture of the solid processing solution cartridge 2comes to be in close contact with the inlet 110A, airtight can be madeto enhance moisture proof efficiency.

The loading portion 41 includes the driving means 111: A timing belt 127running on a timing pulley 126 fixed to a driving shaft of a motor 125allows a pulley 131 fixedly mounted on a rotary shaft of the rotors 122to be rotated via pulleys 128, 129 and a tension pulley 130.

A notched disk 132 having two notches is integral with the same shaft asthe pulley 129. An optical sensor of photo-interrupter type PS5 detectspassing of the notches 132A and issues a position detecting signal sothat control of one stopping cycle of the rotor 122 can be effected.

Thus, the solid processing solution supplying section 40 includes aprocess of inserting the solid processing solution cartridge 2containing the solid processing solutions from below to above and isconstituted such that the solid processing solution cartridge 2 can beset in a position for the solid processing solution J to be suppliedfrom. The loading portion 41 of the solid processing solution supplyingsection 40 is provided, at its inserting portion for the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 to be inserted in, with the holdingmeans 118 for holding the solid processing solution cartridge 2. Whenthe solid processing solution cartridge 2 is inserted in the loadingportion from below to above, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6,two opposite sides of the fore end 2d of the cartridge 2 are broughtinto contact with the bending portions 118d formed at the holdingportions 118b of the holding means 118 and then the bending portions areexpanded toward the outside by the thrusting motion of the cartridge, asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Then, the fore end 2d of the solid processingsolution cartridge 2 is further thrust in the loading portion, with itsguided by the guide portion 118c, until the discriminating pins 2e atthe solid processing solution cartridge 2 come to fit in the relatedpositioning holes 114E at the holding member 114. The insertion of thecartridge is made in this way.

When the insertion of the solid processing solution cartridge 2 bringsthe bending portions 118d formed at the front ends of the holdingportions 118b into engagement with the stepped portions 2a formed at thetwo opposite sides of the solid processing solution cartridge 2, theinserting operation is completed, so that the solid processing solutioncartridge 2 is held in place by the holding means 118. With the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 held in place like this, the holdingmember 114 is thrust in the direction of C, as described on FIG. 6,whereby the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is set in place.

To replace the solid processing solution cartridge 2, the holding member114 is moved in the direction of D reversing the inserting direction,with the result that the solid processing solution cartridge 2 comes tobe in a position shown by two-dot chain line in FIG. 6. In thisposition, the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is held by theholding means 118 and thus is prevented from dropping. In this state,when the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is pulled out downward,the stepped portions 2a formed at the two opposite sides of the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 force the bending portions 118d formedat the front ends of the holding portions 118b to be expanded toward theoutside, so that easy release from the engagement can be made.

Thus, the solid processing solution cartridge 2 can be held in placewith simple structure and can be attached or detached by an operatoreven with his/her one hand, thereby providing an improved workability.

In addition, since the holding means 118 for holding the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is formed of spring steel, for examplesimply folding a sheet of spring steel is required to surely grasp thesolid processing solution cartridge 2 and hold it in place not to bedropped off. This can yield the results of reduced number of parts;elimination of the need for adjustment; good resistance to damage; andsure operation.

Shown in FIG. 11 is a modified holding means 118 drawn in perspective.This holding means is formed by folding a sheet of spring steel in sucha manner that a guide portion 118c can be formed at a center part of amounting portion 118a and holding portions 118b can be formed at eachside of the mounting portion 118a, likewise the former embodiment. Eachof the holding portions 118b is slightly folded inside at the front endand also is cut out to define a rectangular-shaped cutout 118e. In theeach cutout 118e a roller 118f is supported via a shaft 118g so as to befreely rotatable.

By insertion of the solid processing solution cartridge 2, the rollers118f at the front ends of the holding portions 118b are rotated and arebrought into engagement with the stepped portions 2a formed at twoopposite sides of the solid processing solution cartridge 2, with theresult that the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is held in placeby the holding means 118.

Thus, the rollers 118f at the front ends of the holding portions 118bfacilitate the insertion operation of the solid processing solutioncartridge 2 with one hand. Also, the removal operation of the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 from the holding means 118 can be easilymade with one hand, with the help of free rotation of the rollers 118fat the front ends of the holding portions 118b.

Shown in FIG. 12 is another modified holding means 118 drawn inperspective. In this variant, the bending portion 118d at the front endof each holding portions 118b is provided at the inside thereof withslippery member 118h. The provision of the slippery member 118h at thebending portion 118d can also facilitate the attachment or detachment ofthe solid processing solution cartridge. Further, instead of using theslippery member 118h, applying a slid-acceleration solution to theinside surface of the bending portion 118d can provide equal effect.

In the above embodiments, the holding means formed of spring steel istaken as an example, while it may be formed of another materialsincluding resins such as PC (polycarbonate) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride)or other elastic materials. The holding means formed of resins isadvantageously easy to mold, light in weight and is good in strength.

FIGS. 13(a) and (b) illustrate modified solid processing solutioncartridges 2. In FIG. 13(a), the solid processing solution cartridge 2is provided with projections 2f at the two opposite sides of the frontend portion 2d thereof. The solid processing solution cartridge 2, wheninserted from below, causes each bending portion 118d of the holdingmeans 118 to override each projection 2f and then engage with it at aposition beyond the projection 2f, and thereby the cartridge is surelyheld in position. In FIG. 13(b), the solid processing solution cartridge2 is provided at the two opposite sides thereof with grooves 2g and alsois provided at the front ends of the grooves 2g with projections 2h.Thus, the solid processing solution cartridge 2, when inserted frombelow in the same manner, causes the each holding portion 118b of theholding means 118 to be inserted into each groove 2g, with its surelyheld by the groove. The cartridge inserted further causes the eachbending portion 118d to override the each projection 2h and then engagewith it at a position beyond the each projection 2h, and thereby thecartridge is surely held in position.

FIG. 14(a) and 14(b) show a modification to restrict insertion of adifferent type solid processing solution cartridge. In FIG. 14(a), asolid processing solution cartridge 2 has on its top two discriminatingpins 2e, whereas a holding member 114 has only one hole 114E and alsothe hole is provided at a different location, so that the pins cannotfit in the holes. Due to this, each bending portion 118d of holdingmeans 118 is not allowed to override each projection 2i and engage withit at a position beyond the each projection 2i. Thus, any wrong typecartridge 2 cannot be held in place. On the other hand, in FIG. 14(b),the holding member 114 has two holes 114E and also the holes areprovided at corresponding locations, so that the discriminating pins 2eof the solid processing solution cartridge 2 can befit into the holes114E of the holding member 114. Due to this, the each bending portion118d of the holding means 118 is allowed to override the each projection2i and then engage with it at a position beyond the projection 2i. Thisensures that an appropriate type cartridge 2 is held in place by theholding means 118.

The following detailed description deals with the solid processingsolution collecting section 50. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of acollecting unit, and FIG. 16 is fragmentary side view partially brokenaway of the collecting unit.

In the solid processing solution collecting section 50, collecting units51 are arranged corresponding in position to the processing tanks 24, asshown in FIG. 3. Each collecting unit 51 is located between thesupplying portion 42 of the solid processing solution supplying section40 and carriage paths 61 of the solid processing solution transferringsection 60. The solid processing solutions J supplied from the supplyingportion 42 of the solid processing solution supplying section 40 areallowed to drop by gravity into the collecting units 51 and are fed intothe corresponding carriage paths 61 of the solid processing solutiontransferring section 60 through the collecting units 51.

In other words, the solid processing solution collecting section 50comprises the dropping track for allowing a plurality of solidprocessing solutions J to drop by gravity into a plurality of supplyingpaths for the solid processing solutions J to be fed in through thecollecting units 51. The each dropping track comprises a plurality ofdropping passages. The dropping passages are different from each otherin the angle between each of the dropping passages and the vertical soas to allow the solid processing solutions at the endpoints of thedropping track to be kept in substantially the same attitude. Further,the dropping track includes the solid processing solution transferringsection 60 for allowing the solid processing solutions to be carried tothe endpoints of the dropping track. The solid processing solutiontransferring section 60 comprises the carriage paths 61 and a carriagemeans 62. The solid processing solutions J supplied to the carriagepaths are transferred by the carriage means 62 and are supplied to guideportions 71 of the dissolving tanks 70 which are so arranged as tocommunicate with their associated processing parts 24.

The case 25 is provided with operating lamps 43 related for solidprocessing solution cartridges 2. The operating lamps come to illuminatewhen the supplying portion 42 starts to operate and remains on until thesupply of the solid process solutions J is ended, so as to indicate by alight an operation status for an operator.

Among the collecting units 51, the one which is provided in associationwith the supplying section 42 for allowing a supply of the solidprocessing solutions J to be fed into the dissolving tank 70 provided inthe processing tank 24 of the color development tank 24a is constructedas shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. This collecting unit 51 is formed by ashooter having upper openings 51a located in confront with the supplyingportion 42 of the solid processing solution supplying section 40 and alower opening 51b located in confront with the carriage paths 61 of thesolid processing solution transferring section 60. Further, thecollecting unit 51 comprises the dropping track for allowing solidprocessing solutions J to drop by gravity into the supplying path 51cfor the solid processing solutions J to be fed in. The supplying path51c of the dropping track comprises a plurality of dropping passages51d, 51e defined by a guide 52. The dropping passages 51d, 51e aredifferent from each other in the angle between each of the droppingpassages and the vertical so as to allow the solid processing solutionsat the endpoints of the dropping track to be kept in substantially thesame attitude.

Like this, the collecting unit 51 comprises the dropping trackcomprising the plurality of dropping passages 51d, 51e for allowing thesolid processing solutions to drop by gravity into the 51c for the solidprocessing solution J to be fed in. The solid processing solutions Jdelivered from the supplying portion 42 of the solid processing solutionsupplying section 40 are supplied from the upper openings 51a. As shownin FIG. 16, each of the dropping passages defined by the guide 52 is soformed as to have a width D smaller than a diameter of the solidprocessing solution J shown by a two-dot chain line. These passages 51d,51e enable the solid processing solutions to be restricted from theirturning at some midpoints in the passages, so that the solid processingsolutions J at the endpoints of the dropping track can be kept insubstantially the same attitude. Hence, when the solid processingsolutions J are supplied in one row or in two or more rows, the solidprocessing solutions J can be collected into the lower opening 51bwithout hitching or clogging, thus achieving a smooth supplying of thesolid processing solutions.

It is to be noted that while the supplying path of the dropping track ofthe collecting unit 51 in the above embodiment comprises two droppingpassages 51d, 51e defined by one guide 52, it may comprise three or morepassages defined by two or more guides.

Further, the remaining collecting units 51, which are provided inassociation with the supplying section 42 for allowing a supply of thesolid processing solutions J to be fed into the dissolving tanks 70 inthe processing tanks 24 comprising the bleaching-fixing tank 24b and thestabilizing tanks 24c, are all constructed in the same manner. In thisembodiment, however, the one which is located in association with thesupplying section 42 for allowing a supply of the solid processingsolutions J to be fed into the dissolving tank 70 in the processingtanks 24 of the stabilizing tanks 24ccomprises a single dropping passagewithout providing any guide. The number of the dropping passagesprovided in each of the collecting units 51 may be determined dependingon the amount of the solid processing solutions required to be suppliedin a given time.

The following detailed description deals with the solid processingsolution transferring section 60. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the solidprocessing solution transferring section; FIG. 18 is a sectional viewtaken along the line of XIV--XIV of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a sectional viewtaken along the line of X V--X V of FIG. 17; FIG. 20 is a diagram ofcontrol circuit of the solid processing solution transferring section;and FIG. 21 is a flowchart of operation of the solid processing solutiontransferring section.

The solid processing solution transferring section 60 is placed along alocation over the dissolving tanks 70 at a front portion of an automaticpaper developing machine B. A box frame 600 of the solid processingsolution transferring section 60 is formed of substantially transparentmaterials such as transparent synthetic resins. In the box frame 600,partitioned walls 601 are integrally formed to define the first carriagepath 602 for solid processing solutions J to be supplied to thedissolving tank 70 in the color development tank 24a, the secondcarriage path 603 for solid processing solutions J to be supplied to thedissolving tank 70 in the bleaching-fixing tank 24b, and the thirdcarriage path 604 for solid processing solutions J to be supplied to thedissolving tank 70 in the stabilizing tanks 24c.

The first carriage path 602, the second carriage path 603 and the thirdcarriage path 604 extend to a location over the dissolving tanks 70 froma location under the solid processing solution collecting section 50.These paths are respectively covered with lids 605, 606 and 607 formedof substantially transparent materials such as transparent syntheticresins, so as to define rooms of K1, K2 and K3. The term ofsubstantially transparent materials used herein refers to materialswhich allow the interior of the rooms to be inspected from the outside.

The box frame 600 is provided with a supply opening 608 at a location inconfront with the solid processing solution collecting section 50.Through the supply opening 608 solid processing solutions J are fed intothe first carriage path 602, the second carriage path 603 and the thirdcarriage path 604. Further, the box frame 600 is provided with shooters609, 610 and 611 disposed at locations over their related dissolvingtanks 70. From the shooters 609-611 the solid processing solutions J arefed into their related dissolving tanks 70.

The first carrier shaft 620, the second carrier shaft 621 and the thirdcarrier shaft 622, all of which are helical, extend in the rooms K1-K3defined by the first carriage path 602, the second carriage path 603 andthe third carriage path 604 and are rotatably supported at the oppositeends thereof by support plates 623 and 624. The second carrier shaft 621and the third carrier shaft 622 are rotatably supported by the shooters610, 611 as well.

Further, the first carrier shaft 620, the second carrier shaft 621 andthe third carrier shaft 622 are respectively provided with screwedportions 620a-622a, each of which extends between the part thereofcorresponding in position to the supply opening 608 of the box frame 600and the part thereof corresponding in position to its related shooter609-611. Each solid processing solution J is held in a root 620c-622cbetween a crest 620b-622b and an adjacent crest 620c-622c of eachscrewed portion and is transferred axially while rotating by rotation ofthe first carrier shaft 620, the second carrier shaft 621 and the thirdcarrier shaft 622. The first carrier shaft 620, the second carrier shaft621 and the third carrier shaft 622 serve as a transferring means,having a constant pitch with which an endless transferring motion of asolid processing solution in a specific room is made, and housed in thespecific room.

Restraining projection bars 600a, 601a and 605a-607a are formed on thebox frame 600, the partition walls 601 and the lids 605-607,respectively, along a transferring way. The restraining projection bars600a, 601a and 605a-607a restrain each solid processing solution J frommoving out of position in order not to be broken in the transfer.

Guide plates 630-632 for allowing solid processing solutions J to bedropped are provided at locations corresponding to the related shooters609-611. When solid processing solutions J carried via the first, secondand third carrier shafts 620, 621,622 arrive at the locationscorresponding to the related shooters 609-611, they come out of thescrewed portions 620a-622a and are placed on the non-screwed shaftportions. When the solid processing solutions J are transferred up tothose locations, they are pushed by the guide plates 630-632 towardlocations over the shooters 609-611 oriented in a direction orthogonalto the axial direction and also are forced to move toward the locationsover the shooters 609-611, oriented in a different direction from theaxial direction, with rotation of the first, second and third carriershafts 620, 621,622. Thus, in the case of normal rotation of the first,second and third carrier shafts 620, 621 and 62, it is preferable forthe transference of the solid processing solutions to place the shooters609-611 at the right hand side of the shafts.

Further, where the non-screwed shaft portions outside of the screwportions 620a-622a around the shooters 609-611 are so modified as tohave large frictional resistance against solid processing solutions J,by for example knurling them, that can facilitate the change ofdirection for the solid processing solutions to move and the movementtoward the shooters 609-611.

The first carrier shaft 620, the second carrier shaft 621 and the thirdcarrier shaft 622 are connected to a drive shaft 642 of a drive motor641 through a gear train 640. A driving power from the drive motor 641is transmitted to the carrier shafts 620-622 through the gear train 640to rotate the carrier shafts 620-622 in association with each other inthe same direction.

Limit switches 650-652 are respectively arranged on the lids 605, 606,607 before the shooters 609-611. When solid processing solutions J passthrough with their contacting with contactors of the switches, the limitswitches 650-652 turn on.

The limit switches 650-652 form a solid processing solution detectingsensor. A detecting signal from the limit switches 650-652 enablesoperation of the drive motor 641 to be controlled via the controllingsection 22, as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, operation of the solid processing solution transferring section 60will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21. At step(a), the solid processing solution supplying section 40 operates andsolid processing solutions J are supplied from the supply opening 608.Then, at step (b), the drive motor 641 starts to rotate and the drivingpower of the motor is transmitted to the first carrier shaft 620, thesecond carrier shaft 621 and the third carrier shaft 622 to be rotatedin association, whereby the solid processing solutions J are transferredwith their held in roots of the screwed portions of the carrier shafts.At step (c), detection of the solid processing solutions J is made bythe limit switches 650-652, and at step (d), determination on expirationof a predetermined time interval is made. The term of expiration of apredetermined time interval used herein refers to the fixed timeinterval counting from the very moment a solid processing solution J hasbeen supplied (which is set longer than the time interval required forthe solid processing solution J to be carried and thrown in). It iscommon that before the expiration of the predetermined time interval,the solid processing solutions J are detected by the limit switches650-652, and after the detection of the solid processing solutions Juntil the expiration of the predetermined time interval the drive motor641 is driven. Then, the solid processing solutions J are shifted fromthe non-screwed portions of the carrier shafts with rotation of theshafts and then are dropped into the related dissolving tanks 70. Thedrive motor 641 is stopped (at step (e)) after the expiration of thepredetermined time interval after the solid processing solutions J passthrough the limit switches 650-652.

If, at step (d), the solid processing solutions J are not detected evenafter the expiration of the predetermined time interval, that means forexample that a solid processing solution J may be plugged in thecarriage path in the box frame 600 or be reduced to powder. In thiscase, at step (g) an alarm about an abnormal feeding is given by forexample sounding an alarm indicating the passage failure, and then theoperation goes to step (f) to stop the drive of the drive motor 641.

Thus, even where the solid processing solution supplying section 40 isarranged at a location different from the location of the processingtanks 24 and the dissolving tanks 70 and over those tanks, the solidprocessing solutions J supplied by the solid processing solutionsupplying section 40 are allowed to be surely transferred axially tospecified positions, while they are rotating, by rotation of the helicalcarrier shafts 620, 621, 622 of the solid processing solutiontransferring section 60.

Further, the transfer of the solid processing solutions J in the solidprocessing solution transferring section 60 can be effected with thesimple and compact structure using the rotation of the screwed portions620a-622a of the helical carrier shafts 620-622 disposed in the definedrooms K1-K3.

In addition, the transfer of the solid processing solution J in theaxial direction, which is effected by the rotation of the helicalcarrier shafts 620-622, is restricted and is shifted in a directiondifferent from the axial direction with the rotation of the helicalcarrier shafts 620-622. Thus, the shift of the transferring directioncan be effected with the simple structure using the rotation of thehelical carrier shafts 620-622, thus facilitating and ensuring thesupply of the solid processing solutions toward the processing tanks.

Also, parts of the members defining the defined rooms K1-K3 are soarrayed that they can be removed in a longitudinal direction, and thesolid processing solution transferring section 60 can be disassembledfor easy maintenance. If there is a harm in transferring solidprocessing solutions J, the solid processing solution transferringsection 60 can be taken out as a unit from the automatic developingmachine by simply removing for example two face nuts. And, the removedsolid processing solution transferring section 60 can be disassembledinto each individual helical carrier shaft 620-622 and the box frame forclean-ups by removing the gear train 640 and then thrusting the helicalcarrier shafts 620-622 into the supply opening 608.

Further, the box frame 600, the partition walls 601 and the lids 605-607are formed of substantially transparent synthetic resins, while also atleast one part of the members defining the defined rooms K1-K3 areformed of substantially transparent materials. Accordingly, the locationof the hitched or clogged solid processing solution J can be easilyinspected from the outside. In addition, the adhesion state of thepowdered or shattered solid processing solution J can also be inspected.Thus, those parts can be cleaned easily and speedily. Also, the boxframe 600, the partition walls 601 and the lids 605-607 formed ofsubstantially transparent materials can facilitate a cleaning ofpowdered or shattered solid processing solution J.

A variant of the solid processing solution transferring section 60 willbe described with reference to FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b) FIG. 22 (a) is aside elevation view of the solid processing solution transferringsection, and FIG. 22(b) is a plan view of the track at the solidprocessing solution transferring section. In this variant, the solidprocessing solutions J delivered from the solid processing solutionsupplying section 40 are supplied onto the tracks 670-672. On the tracks670-672 supply openings 670a-672a are formed along a line L1. The solidprocessing solutions J are dropped down into their related dissolvingtanks 70 from the supply openings 670a-672a. The solid processingsolutions J supplied from the solid processing solution supplyingsection 40 are held by the tracks 670-672 so that they can roll alongthe tracks. The solid processing solutions J are carried via an endlessbelt 673 having widthwise extending projections 673a spaced withconstant intervals. The projections 673a of the endless belt 673 havepitches each enough for a top part of the solid processing solution J tobe held. The endless belt 673 is formed of flexible material such asrubber or resin so that they cannot damage the solid processingsolutions J in transference and can ensure the transference. The endlessbelt 673 forms a carriage means, having uniform pitches and endless inmotion, for allowing the solid processing solutions J on the tracks670-672 to be smoothly and surely transferred along the tracks 670-672.

Another variant of the solid processing solution transferring section 60will be described with reference to FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b) FIG. 23(a) isa side elevation view of the solid processing solution transferringsection, and FIG. 23(b) is a plan view of the track at the solidprocessing solution transferring section. This variant is identical inconstruction to the immediately above-mentioned embodiment, except for ahelical carrier shaft 674 used in place of the endless belt 673.Rotation of the helical carrier shaft 674 allows the solid processingsolutions J to be transferred rolling along the track, with their topparts held by roots 674b between adjacent screwed parts 674a of thehelical carrier shaft.

A yet another variant of the solid processing solution transferringsection 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is aside elevation view of the solid processing solution transferringsection. This variant uses a cylinder 676 able to rotate and havingthree screw threads 676a on its interior wall. Rotation of the cylinderallows the solid processing solutions J supplied in the cylinder to betransferred by the three screw threads 676a rolling therealong. It willbe appreciated that the number of screw threads may be determined asneeded, though this embodiment adopts the screw threads 676a of threefor the transference. The cylinder 676 forms the carriage means, havinguniform pitches and endless in motion, for allowing the solid processingsolutions J to be transferred with simple structure.

Next, one example of a separate-setting replenishing unit to which theinvention is applicable will be described with reference to the drawing.FIG. 25 is a front view of the separate-setting replenishing unit, andFIG. 26 is a right side view of the separate-setting replenishing unit.

The separate-setting replenishing unit 100 is set separate from theautomatic developing machine not shown. The separate-settingreplenishing unit 100 is provided at a front portion thereof with anoperating portion 101 and at the inside thereof with the dissolvingtanks 102 which are placed corresponding to the processing tanks of theautomatic developing machine not shown. The dissolving tanks 102 areconnected to the processing tanks through circulation hose orcirculating pumps not shown. In this embodiment, four dissolving tanks102 are placed corresponding to the color development tank, thebleaching tank, the fixing tank and the stabilizing tank of theautomatic negative film developing machine, though the number of thedissolving tanks is not necessarily specified.

Further, the separate-setting replenishing unit 100 is provided at anupper part thereof with a solid processing solution supplying section103 and shooters 104 corresponding in position to the dissolving tanks102. The solid processing solution supplying section 103 includes aloading portion 105 and a supplying portion 106. The solid processingsolutions cartridge 2 containing solid processing solutions J is loadedinto the loading portion 105 after a door 107 is opened. Operationindicating lamps 108 are provided corresponding in position to parts ofthe supplying portion 106, so that they can be switched on after thesupplying portion 6 starts to act until the supply of the solidprocessing solutions J is terminated.

Next, one example of a photosensitive material developing apparatus towhich the invention is applicable will be described with reference tothe drawing. FIG. 27 is a front view of the photosensitive materialdeveloping apparatus; FIG. 28 is a plan view of the photosensitivematerial developing apparatus; FIG. 29 is a left side view of thephotosensitive material developing apparatus; and FIG. 30 is a rightside view of the photosensitive material developing apparatus.

The photosensitive material developing apparatus 200 comprises anautomatic negative film developing machine D for developing negativefilms, a photo-printing machine A, and an automatic paper developingmachine B which are integral with each other. The automatic negativefilm developing machine D is located at the left hand side. The body 204of the automatic negative film developing machine is provided at acentral portion thereof with processing tank 205 and at the left sidethereof with a solid processing solution supplying section 206. Theprocessing tank 205 is in the form of a substantially four-tier tankcomprising a color development tank 205a, a bleaching tank 205b, afixing tank 205c and stabilizing tank 205d. Dissolving tanks 207 aresituated with their communicating with the associated processing tanks.The solid processing solutions are supplied to the dissolving tanks 207from a solid processing solution supplying section 206 through shooters208. The solid processing solution supplying section 206 is providedwith operation indicating lamps 209, which are placed corresponding totheir related supplying portion for the solid processing solutioncartridges 2. The operation indicating lamps are switched on from astarting of the supplying action until a termination of the feeding ofthe solid processing solutions J.

The solid processing solution supplying section 206 is placed alongsideof the automatic negative film developing machine body 204 so as not tohinder maintenance of the automatic negative film developing machinebody 204. Besides, the solid processing solution supplying section 206is vertically mounted at the outside of the automatic negative filmdeveloping machine body 204, so as to be reduced in widthwise dimension.Thus, it becomes easy to find an available space therefor. Further, thesolid processing solution supplying section 206 is located alongside theautomatic negative film developing machine body 204, rather than overit, so that solid processing solutions can be protected from thermal ormoisture effects. Moreover, the solid processing solution supplyingsection 206 is positioned at substantially the same level as theoperating portion 210 of the photo-printing machine A, for easyreplacement of solid processing solution cartridges 2 and easymaintenance.

The photo-printing machine A is situated between the automatic negativefilm developing machine D and the automatic paper developing machine B.The photo-printing machine A is provided at a front portion thereof withan operating portion 210 and at an upper portion thereof with a magazinecontaining portion 211 in which a magazine, containing a rolledphotographic paper of an unexposed silver halide photosensitivematerial, is set. In the photo-printing machine A, original photographicimages are exposed on the printing paper drawn out of the magazine inthe magazine containing portion 211 and then the exposed printing paperis introduced into the automatic paper developing machine B.

The automatic paper developing machine B comprises processing tanks 212and a drying section 213. The printing paper is developed in theprocessing tank section 212 and is dried in the drying section 213,whereby photoprints are made and then are taken out. The processing tanksection 212 comprises a color development tank 212a, a bleaching-fixingtank 212b and a three-tier stabilizing tank 212c. The printing paper aretransferred through the processing tanks in order so that it can besubject to a color developing process, a bleaching and fixing processand a stabilizing process, respectively.

Dissolving tanks 214 are situated with their communicating with thecolor development tank 212a, the bleaching-fixing tank 212b and thestabilizing tanks 212c, respectively. The solid processing solutions Jare supplied to the dissolving tanks 214 from a solid processingsolution supplying section 215 through shooters 216. The solidprocessing solution supplying section 215 is provided with operationindicating lamps 217, which are placed corresponding to their relatedsupplying portion for the solid processing solution cartridges 2, sothat they are switched on from a starting of the supplying action untila termination of the feeding of the solid processing solutions J.

The solid processing solution supplying section 215 is placed at a frontof the automatic developing machine body 218 so as not to hindermaintenance of the automatic developing machine body 218. In addition,the solid processing solution supplying section 215 is verticallymounted at the outside of the automatic developing machine body 218, soas to be reduced in widthwise dimension. Thus, it becomes easy to findan available space therefor. Further, the solid processing solutionsupplying section 215 is not located over the automatic developingmachine body 218, so that solid processing solutions J can be protectedfrom thermal or moisture effects. Moreover, the solid processingsolution supplying section 215 is positioned at substantially the samelevel as the operating portion 210 of the photo-developing machine 202,for easy replacement of solid processing solution cartridges 2 and easymaintenance.

It is noted that the solid processing solution supplying section 206provided in the automatic negative film developing machine D and thesolid processing solution supplying section 215 provided in theautomatic paper developing machine B both have the same construction.For convenience's sake, only reference to the solid processing solutionsupplying section 215 provided in the automatic paper developing machineB is given here with reference to FIG. 25 through FIG. 34.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a rough arrangement of the supplyingportion of the solid processing solution supplying section; FIG. 32 is aperspective view of the supplying portion of the solid processingsolution supplying section; FIG. 33 is a sectional view of the supplyingportion of the solid processing solution supplying section; FIG. 34 is aschematic diagram illustrating a supply in the solid processing solutionsupplying section; FIG. 35 is an illustration of an example for supplyof two tablets of solid processing solutions; FIG. 36 is an illustrationof a modification of bucket; FIG. 37 is another modification of bucket;FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a solid processing solution cartridgein a setting condition; FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the solidprocessing solution cartridge as set in place; and FIG. 40 is aperspective view showing the solid processing solution cartridge in asensing condition.

The solid processing solution supplying section 215 includes a loadingportion 240, a supplying portion 250 and the solid processing solutionstransferring portion 260, which are housed in the room defined by acover 230, and a front cover 231 and an opening cover 232 both coveringthe cover 230, with their corresponding in position to the dissolvingtanks 214. The loading portion 240 includes a cartridge platform 241provided at a lower part of the cover 230 and a cartridge holder 242provided at an upper part of the cover 230. The top 2x of the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is inserted into the cartridge holder242 from below toward above and then an opening end 2y of the same isplaced in position on the cartridge platform 241, whereby the setting ofthe cartridge is made.

The supplying portion 250 is constituted, as illustrated in FIGS. 32 and33, such that a plurality of rotors 252 are held in rotor cases 251 sothat they can rotate. Each rotor case 251 has a solid processingsolution inlet 251a at the top end. Solid processing solutions Jcontained in each of the cartridges cannot be dropped from the solidprocessing solution inlet 251a until a sliding lid 2w of the each solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is opened. Each solid processingsolution J is dropped and held in a cavity 252a of each of the rotors252 when the cavity 252a is in its top position. With rotation of therotor 252, the solid processing solution J held by rotor is moved to asupply opening 251b and is fed therefrom into the solid processingsolution transferring portion 260.

After the solid processing solution J is discharged from the cavity 252aof the rotor 252, the rotor 252 is reversed so that the cavity 252a canreturn to its initial position to receive a next solid processingsolution J in it. A driving gear 253 for the rotor 252 is connected to asupplying motor 255 through a gear train 254, so that the rotor 252 isrotated by the supplying motor 255.

The solid processing solution transferring portion 260 includes adriving shaft 261 which is rotatably supported by opposite sides 230a ofthe cover 230 and to which a driving gear 262 is fixed. The driving gear262 is connected to an elevating motor 264 through a gear train 263. Thedriving shaft 261 is rotated in association with a normal rotation or areverse rotation of the elevating motor 264. A lower sprocket 265 isfixed to each end of the driving shaft 261. Among the lower sprocket265, and an upper sprocket 266 and an intermediate sprockets 267, bothjournaled at each side 230a of the cover 230, is stretched an elevatingchain 268. An elevating frame 269 is provided between the elevatingchains 268, and mounts buckets 270 on it.

Further, the elevating frame 269 is provided with a sensor plate 271. Anupper limit sensor 272 is set at a position over the sensor plate and anlower limit sensor 273 is set at a position under the sensor plate. Evenif a signal to make an additional supply of solid processing solutions Jis issued when replenishment of solid processing solutions J is underoperation, the rotors 252 are not turned, unless the lower limit sensor273 detects the sensor plate 271 or unless the buckets 270 are in theirlower position. After completion of the supply of the solid processingsolutions, when the buckets 270 are lowered by the elevating motor 264down to a position at which the sensor plate 271 can be detected by thelower limit sensor 273, the supplying motor 255 is rotated to set asolid processing solutions J in the buckets 270 from the rotors 252.

Like this, the buckets 270, through which the solid processing solutionsJ are supplied into the dissolving tanks 214 for the processing tanks212 comprising the color development tank 212a, bleaching-fixing tank212b and stabilizing tank 212c, are mounted on the single elevatingframe 269. The elevating frame 269 is raised or lowered by drive of thesingle elevating motor 264. For replenishment of a single solution tank,e.g., the color developing tank 212a, with solid processing solutions J,the solid processing solutions J are contained in the bucket related tothe color developing tank 212a and then are raised or lowered to bethrown into the color developing tank. For simultaneous replenishment ofdouble solution tanks, e.g., the color developing tank 212a and thebleaching-fixing tank 212b, with solid processing solutions J, the solidprocessing solutions for the double solution tanks are contained in therelated buckets 270 and then are raised or lowered to be simultaneouslythrown into the both tanks. In case where the time for replenishment ofanother solution tank with solid processing solutions J comes when areplenishment of a single solution tank with solid processing solutionsJ is under operation, the replenishment of the another solution tankwith solid processing solutions J is not effected until the elevatingframe 269 returns to its initial position at which the solid processingsolutions J are contained in the related bucket after the formerreplenishment is completed.

This construction, in which each bucket 270 is mounted on a singleelevation frame 269 and the single elevation frame 269 is raised orlowered by the drive of the elevation motor 264, can provides asimplified elevation mechanism, reduced costs, and further downsizing.

Next, the way of supplying the solid processing solutions will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 34. First, the opening 2y of each solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is set on the top of the rotor case 251of the supplying portion 250. Then, the sliding lid 2w of the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is opened so that the supply of solidprocessing solutions can be put into practice. When the cavity 252a ofeach rotor 252 is in a position corresponding to the solid processingsolution inlet 251a, a solid processing solution J in the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 enters the cavity 252a of the rotor 252.Then, the rotor 252 is turned in the direction of the arrow and isstopped from rotating at a position at which the cavity 252a comes to bein confront with the supply opening 251 b. And, the solid processingsolution J is rolled and discharged out from the supply opening 251b.

The discharged solid processing solution J enters the bucket 270. Then,the bucket 270 containing the solid processing solution J is raised fromits lower position to its upper position. The bucket 270 has a bottomwall 270a tilted toward the cover 230, and the solid processing solutionJ contained in the bucket 270 is raised with its contacting with thecover 230 and being restrained from discharge by the cover. When thebucket 270 is moved to its upper position corresponding to an opening230b of the cover 230, the solid processing solution J rolls out fromthe opening 230b and move into the shooter 216. The shooter 216 is soslanted that its dissolving tank 214 side becomes lower, so that thesolid processing solution rolls down the shooter by its self weight anddrops down into the dissolving tank 214.

The shooter 216 has a required number of passages each having a fixedwidth for solid processing solution J not to fall within the shooter.The number of passages is determined according to the number of thesolid processing solutions J to be supplied from the bucket 270.

Thus, in the case where the solid processing solution supplying section215 is located at a place different from the processing tanks 212 or thedissolving tanks 214 and under those tanks, the solid processingsolutions J discharged from the solid processing solution supplyingsection 215 can be moved upward with their contained in the buckets 270.With this construction using the upward action of the buckets 270, asmooth and sure transference of the solid processing solutions J can beeffected with simple and compact structure.

Also, after the solid processing solutions J discharged from the solidprocessing solution supplying section 215 are moved upward with theircontained in the bucket 270 and are discharged from the bucket 270, theyare transferred toward the processing tanks by use of the carriage pathsformed by the shooters. Thus, a smooth and sure transference of thesolid processing solutions J toward the processing tanks can be ensured.

Further, the solid processing solutions transferring portion 260 isplaced in a space defined between the solid processing solutionsupplying section 215 and the processing tank side of the automaticpaper developing machine. Through the use of the space defined betweenthe solid processing solution supplying section 215 and the processingtank side of the automatic paper developing machine, the compactstructure can be provided for a smooth and sure transference of thesolid processing solutions J toward the processing tanks.

Further, since the bottom wall 270a of each of the buckets 270 isslanted toward the cover 230 and the solid processing solutions Jcontained in the each bucket 270 are raised with their contacting withthe cover 230, when the each bucket 270 is moved to its upper positioncorresponding to an opening 230b of the cover 230, the solid processingsolutions J can automatically move into the carriage paths formed by theshooter 216. Thus, the transference of the solid processing solutionscan be made with the simple structure using the buckets 270 and thecover 230.

Next, an example for supply of two or more tablets of solid processingsolutions will be described with reference to FIG. 35. In thisembodiments, the each bucket 270 has side walls 270b at opposite ends ofthe bottom wall 270a and three partition walls 270c between the sidewalls 270b, so as to form four containing portions.

Two tablets of solid processing solutions J fed into the cavities 252aof each rotor 252 are turned and are discharged from the supply openings251 into the containing portions of each bucket 270 positioned at thelower position. Then, the each bucket 270 containing the solidprocessing solutions J is raised from its lower position to its upperposition. When the each bucket arrived at a lower opening 290a of anopening 290 formed on the cover 230, the first tablet of solidprocessing solution J is discharged from the bucket 270 and is fed in.Further, after expiration of a predetermined time interval, the eachbucket 270 is moved upward. When the each bucket arrived at a positioncorresponding to an upper opening 290b of the opening 290 formed on thecover 230, the second tablet of solid processing solution J isdischarged from the bucket 270 and is fed in.

Thus, two or more solid processing solutions J moved upward with theeach bucket 270 can be supplied into the carriage paths at differentlocations corresponding to the openings formed on the cover 230 whichare different from each other in their vertical position. Therefore, anextra upward movement can be omitted to shorten the time for supply ofthe solid processing solutions J, and besides the upward transference ofa plurality of solid processing solutions and the supply into theprocessing tanks can be effected with simple structure.

It should be noted that this embodiment, which is constructed such thatfour tablets of solid processing solutions J are allowed to be containedin the bucket 270 and also are allowed to be discharged at two differentpositions corresponding to the lower opening 290a and the upper opening290b of the opening 290, can be modified such that the opening 290comprises a four-level opening corresponding in number to the containingportions of the bucket 270. In this modification, four tablets of solidprocessing solutions can be moved upward at the same time and also besupplied in four steps. The construction which is so modified that theopening 290 comprises the four-level opening corresponding in number tothe containing portions of the bucket 270 may suit well for the casewhere one tablet or two or three tablets of solid processing solutions Jare contained in the each bucket 270.

FIGS. 36(a) and 36(b) are illustrations of a modified bucket. Thismodified bucket 291 has a bottom wall 291a which is so formed as not tobe slanted. The bucket 291 is elevated along the vertically disposedcover 230. The solid processing solution J contained in the bucket 291is moved upward, as shown in FIG. 36(a), and is brought into contactwith a cam guide 292, as shown in FIG. 36(b), so that it is pushed outat a position corresponding to the opening 230a formed on the cover 230and is supplied into the carriage path.

Like this, the solid processing solution J, when moved upward, isbrought into contact with the cam guide 292 so as to be pushed out at aposition corresponding to the opening 230a formed on the cover 230.Thus, through the use of the upward movement of the solid processingsolutions, the supply of the solid processing solution J into thecarriage path can be made with simple structure.

FIG. 37(a) and 37(b) are illustrations of a further modified bucket.This modified bucket 291 is also has a bottom wall 291a which is soformed as not to be slanted. The bucket 291 is elevated along thevertically disposed cover 230 and thus the solid processing solution Jcontained in the bucket 291 is moved upward, as shown in FIG. 37(a). Thebucket 291 is pushed up at its bottom by a cam 293 at a positioncorresponding to an opening of the cover 230, as shown In FIG. 37(b), sothat the bucket 291 can be tilted toward the cover 230 to allow thesolid processing solution to be fed into the carriage path.

Like this, the cam 291 allows the bucket 291 to be slanted at a positioncorresponding to the opening of the cover 230. Thus, with the simplestructure using the cam 293, the supply of the solid processing solutionJ into the carriage path can be achieved.

Next, the way of setting of the solid processing solution cartridge willbe described with reference to FIGS. 38, 39, 40(a) and 40(b). When thefront end portion 2x of each solid processing solution cartridge 2 isinserted into the cartridge holder 242, if the inserted solid processingsolution cartridge 2 is a suitable one, discriminating pins 2z at thefront end 2x can push up a locking plate 243 engaged in an engaging hole242a of the cartridge holder 242, so that the locking plate 243 isdisengaged from the engaging hole 242a. As a result of this, thecartridge holder 242 is brought into a condition that it can pivot onthe supporting pins 244.

Then, the opening end 2y of the each solid processing solution cartridge2 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow, as shown in FIG. 38, andthereby the cartridge is set in the loading portion 240, as shown inFIG. 39. Thus, the solid processing solution cartridge 2 is set in placeby pivoting the cartridge holder 242. At the time when the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2 is set in place, a wrong operationpreventing sensor 246 detects a wrong operation preventing sensor plate245, so that the rotor 252 of the supplying portion 250 is brought intoan operable condition. If the wrong operation preventing sensor 246fails to detect the wrong operation preventing sensor plate 245, on theother hand, the rotor 252 does not operate.

Thus, the wrong operation preventing sensor plate 245 and the wrongoperation preventing sensor 246 form a insertion sensing means 280 forsensing an inserting motion of the solid processing solution cartridge2. And, the detection result of the insertion sensing means 280 permitsthe solid processing solution supplying section 215 to work to make thesupply of the solid processing solutions J contained in the solidprocessing solution cartridge 2.

Like this, since the each solid processing solution cartridge 2 insertedin the solid processing solution supplying section 215 is detected bythe insertion sensing means 280 and the detection result of theinsertion sensing means 280 determines operation of the solid processingsolution supplying section 215, there is no fear that the solidprocessing solution supplying section 215 operates under a conditionthat some dust or paper occurring in the work is in a solid processingsolution inlet 215a of the solid processing solution supplying section215. Thus, the solid processing solution inlet 215a of the solidprocessing solution supplying section 215 can be protected from cloggingof risk, paper or the like to diminish the risk of malfunction andmachine trouble, thus achieving improved durability.

FIGS. 41, 42, 43(a) and 43(b) show another embodiment of the solidprocessing solution transferring section 260. In this embodiment, thesolid processing solution transferring section 260 is modified so thatthe solid processing solutions J contained in each bucket 270 whichmoves upward along the cover 230 can be prevented from being worn by itscontacting with the cover 230 during the upward movement.

The each bucket 270 is provided between its two side plates with aplurality of partition walls 270cso as to define a plurality ofcontaining portions for individually containing each solid processingsolution J, in the same manner as in the former embodiment. Also, thebucket 270 has a bottom surface 270a which is so slanted that its cover230 side becomes lower. Further, the bucket 270 is fixed on a topsurface 400a of a bucket holder 400 of an inverted letter L-like shapein section with screws (omitted from representation). 400b denotesbucket mounting holes. Two holes 400c are formed on the top surface 400aof the bucket holder 400 with their spaced from each other at anpredetermined interval.

Also, a shutter 401, movable together with the bucket holder 400 and thebucket 270 and having a letter L-like shape, is provided with springsupporting shafts 401b to be inserted into the two holes 400c of thebucket holder 400. A side wall 401c of the shutter 401 has a size enoughto cover the cover 230 side of the bucket 270 to protect the solidprocessing solutions J contained in the bucket 270 from contacting withthe cover 230 during their upward movement.

The spring supporting shafts 401b are inserted into the holes 400c onthe top surface 400a of the bucket holder 400 so that a bottom surface401a of the shutter 401 can contact with the underside of the topsurface 400a of the bucket holder 400.

Each of the spring supporting shafts 401b projecting from the holes 400con the top surface 400a of the bucket holder 400 is provided with awasher 402 and a coil spring 403 and is further provided at its top endwith a retaining ring 404 so that the coil spring 403 can be held by thespring supporting shaft 401b.

Further, a stopper 405 is provided on the cover 230 at a positionslightly below the opening 230b formed on the cover 230, so that theshutter 401 moving upward can be retained at the end 401d and preventedfrom further upward movement by the stopper.

By virtue of the above construction, the solid processing solutions J,contained in the bucket 270 movable along the cover 230 together withthe bucket holder 400 and the shutter 401, are protected from contactingwith the cover 230 (wearing) by the side wall 401c of the shutter 401.Therefore, the solid processing solutions J can be kept from wear andthe shatters can be kept from dispersing in various directions.

As shown in FIG. 43(a), when the solid processing solutions J containedin the bucket 270 are moved up to the position before the opening 230bof the cover 230, the end 401d of the shutter 401 comes to contact withthe stopper 405 formed on the cover 230, so that only the shutter 401 isstopped from further upward movement and is retained at that position.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 43(b), the bucket 270 containing thesolid processing solutions J and the bucket holder 400 are both moved upfurther against resilient urge of the coil springs 403 held by thespring supporting shafts 401b at the shutter 401 which was stopped inmovement. And, the solid processing solutions J are allowed by theslanted bottom surface 270a of the bucket 270 to be fed from the opening230b toward the processing tanks through the carriage paths.

FIGS. 44 and 45 show a modified shooter 216. This shooter 216 includes aplurality of tablet tripping partition walls 216c which extend inparallel in a longitudinal direction from a shooter inlet 216a side ofthe shooter 216 larger in width toward a shooter outlet 216b side of theshooter 216 smaller in width and also correspond in width to the solidprocessing solutions J arrayed in the bucket 70.

An interval between adjacent partition walls 216c and an intervalbetween a shooter wall 216d and the partition wall 216c opposite theretoare set to be slightly larger than a width of each individual solidprocessing solution J so that the each solid processing solution J cansurely be rolled from the inlet of the shooter 216 to the outlet of thesame without tripping.

This can prevent a possible risk that a solid processing solution Jtrips at some midpoint of the shooter 216 and following solid processingsolutions J trip at that point one after another and thereby the shooter216 is plugged with those solid processing solutions J.

Availability to Industry

As mentioned above, according to the invention of claim 1, in the casewhere the solid processing solution supplying section is located at aplace different from the processing tanks and the dissolving tank andbelow those tanks, the solid processing solution delivered from thesolid processing solution supplying section can be carried upward withits contained in the bucket. This can provide the results that with thestructure simplified by use of the upward movement of the buckets, theautomatic developing machine can be made compact in size and also asmooth and reliable carriage of the solid processing solutions can beensured.

According to the invention of claim 2, after the solid processingsolutions delivered from the solid processing solution supplying sectionare carried upward with their contained in the buckets, the solidprocessing solutions delivered from the buckets are transported towardthe processing tanks by the carriage paths. This ensures a smooth andreliable carriage of the solid processing solutions toward theprocessing tanks.

According to the invention of claim 3, the solid processing solutiontransferring section is located between the solid processing solutionsupplying section and the processing tanks. This enables the automaticdeveloping machine to be made compact in size and also enhances a smoothand reliable carriage of the solid processing solutions to theprocessing tanks.

According to the invention of claim 4, the bottom of the bucket isslanted to the cover, and the solid processing solution contained in thebucket is carried upward with its held by the cover and is fed into thecarriage path at an opening provided at the cover. This can provide theresult that the solid processing solution can be carried with simplestructure using the bucket in combination with the cover.

According to the invention of claim 5, two or more solid processingsolutions are carried upward by the bucket and are supplied into thecarriage path at openings which are so formed on the cover as to bedifferent in vertical level from each other. Thus, surplus upwardmovement can be omitted so that the time required to supply the solidprocessing solutions can be shortened, while also the two or more solidprocessing solutions can be carried upward and fed toward the processingtanks, with simply structure.

According to the invention of claim 6, the solid processing solutionmoving upward is brought into contact with the cam guide and is pushedout by the cam guide at a position corresponding to the opening formedon the cover. Thus, the supply of the solid processing solution to thecarriage path can be made with simple structure utilizing the upwardmovement of the solid processing solution.

According to the invention of claim 7, the bucket is tilted by the camat a position corresponding to an opening formed on the cover. Thus, thesupply of the solid processing solution to the carriage path can beeffected with simple structure using the cam.

According to the invention of claim 8, the solid processing solution,contained in the bucket movable upward along the cover, can be protectedfrom contacting with the cover to avoid wear or fly-off the worn solidprocessing solution, when it is carried upward and fed into the carriagepaths.

According to the invention of claim 9, a dropping track, which is forallowing the plurality of solid processing solutions to drop by gravityinto a plurality of supplying paths for the solid processing solutionsto be fed in, comprises a plurality of dropping passages and allows thesolid processing solutions at the endpoints of the dropping track to bekept in substantially the same attitude. Thus, a plurality of solidprocessing solutions can be collected and supplied smoothly withoutclogging or jamming.

According to the invention of claim 10, a holding means for preventingdrop of the solid processing solution cartridge is provided at aposition where the solid processing solution cartridge containing thesolid processing solutions is inserted. Thus, the solid processingsolution cartridge can be held by the holding means with a simpleinsertion loading. This allows the solid processing solution cartridgeto be held with simple structure and also allows an operator to attachor detach the cartridge even with his/her one hand, thus provingimproved workability.

According to the invention of claim 11, the holding means for holdingthe solid processing solution cartridge is formed of spring steel, sothat for example simply bending a sheet of spring steel allows the solidprocessing solution cartridge to be grasped and held so as not to drop.This requires the reduced number of parts and adjustment-free, thusenabling the holding means to be hard to breakage and ensuring theholding action.

According to the invention of claim 12, the solid processing solutioncartridge holding element is provided at the front ends thereof withrollers. Free rotation of the rollers which occurs when the solidprocessing solution cartridge is attached or detached facilitates theattachment or detachment of the solid processing solution cartridge withone hand, thus providing further improved operability.

According to the invention of claim 13, the solid processing solutioncartridge holding element is provided at the front ends thereof withfolded portions each having a slippery member at the inside. At the timeof attaching or detaching the solid processing solution cartridge,sliding effect of the slippery members facilitates the attachment ordetachment of the solid processing solution cartridge with one hand.

According to the invention of claim 14, the solid processing solutioncartridge inserted in the solid processing solution supplying section issensed by the sensing means, and the sensing result determines theoperation of the solid processing solution supplying section. This canavoid a possible risk that the solid processing solution supplyingsection may operate under the state that rust, paper or the like is inan solid processing solution inlet of the solid processing solutionsupplying section. Thus, the clogging of rust, paper or the like can beprevented and a possible risk of machine trouble or malfunction can bediminished, thereby achieving improved durability.

We claim:
 1. An automatic photosensitive material developing machine forsupplying a solid processing solution to be dissolved according toconsumption of processing solution for a silver halide photosensitivematerial to be treated, said developing machine comprising:a solidprocessing solution supplying section for supplying the solid processingsolution from a solid processing solution cartridge containing saidsolid processing solution, and a solid processing solution transferringsection for receiving the solid processing solution supplied by thesolid processing solution supplying section in a bucket, and fortransferring the bucket upward.
 2. An automatic photosensitive materialdeveloping machine for supplying a solid processing solution to bedissolved according to consumption of processing solution for a silverhalide photosensitive material to be treated, said developing machinecomprising:a solid processing solution supplying section for supplyingsaid solid processing solution from a solid processing solutioncartridge containing said solid processing solution, a solid processingsolution transferring section for receiving the solid processingsolution supplied by said solid processing solution supplying section ina bucket, and for transferring the bucket upward, and a carriage pathfor directing said bucket containing said solid processing solutiontoward processing tanks.
 3. The automatic photosensitive materialdeveloping machine according to claim 2, wherein said solid processingsolution transferring section is located between said solid processingsolution supplying section and said processing tanks.
 4. The automaticphotosensitive material developing machine according to claims 2 or 3,wherein said bucket is movable up and down along a cover and has abottom slanted toward the cover, so that said solid processing solutioncontained in the bucket is carried upward in a state of contact withsaid cover and is fed into said carriage path at a positioncorresponding to an opening formed on the cover.
 5. The automaticphotosensitive material developing machine according to claims 2 or 3,wherein said bucket comprises at least one partition plate forseparating at least two solid processing solutions, and a cover havingopenings at different vertical levels for supplying said at least twosaid processing solutions into said carriage path at positionscorresponding to said openings.
 6. The automatic photosensitive materialdeveloping machine according to claims 2 or 3, wherein said bucket ismovable up and down along a cover and the solid processing solutioncontained in said bucket is movable upward and can be brought intocontact with a cam guide during upward movement so as to be pushed outby said cam guide at a position corresponding to an opening formed onsaid cover to thereby be fed into said carriage path.
 7. The automaticphotosensitive material developing machine according to any one of theclaims 1 to 3, wherein said bucket is movable up and down along a coverso that the solid processing solution contained in said bucket ismovable upward, and said bucket is tilted by a cam at a positioncorresponding to an opening formed on said cover so that the solidprocessing solution can be fed into said carriage path.
 8. The automaticphotosensitive material developing machine according to claims 2 or 3,wherein said bucket is movable up and down along a cover, together witha bucket holder and a shutter for preventing the solid processingsolution contained in said bucket from contacting with said cover, saidshutter being prevented from moving upward during upward movement ofsaid bucket by a shutter stopper provided before an opening formed onthe cover, whereby said bucket can be raised together with said bucketholder and the solid processing solution contained in said bucket can befed into said carriage path at a position corresponding to the openingformed on said cover.
 9. A photographic processing solution replenishingapparatus for supplying solid processing solutions to be dissolvedaccording to consumption of processing solutions for a silver halidephotosensitive material to be treated, said apparatus comprising:adropping track from which the plurality of solid processing solutionsdrop by gravity into a plurality of supplying paths, said dropping trackcomprising a plurality of dropping passages which permit the solidprocessing solutions at endpoints of the dropping track to be kept insubstantially a same attitude, and a solid processing solutiontransferring section for transferring the solid processing solutions tothe endpoints of said dropping track.
 10. A photographic processingsolution replenishing apparatus for supplying solid processing solutionsto be dissolved according to consumption of processing solutions for asilver halide photosensitive material to be treated, wherein a solidprocessing solution cartridge containing the solid processing solutionsis insertable into said apparatus, said apparatus comprising:a solidprocessing solution supplying section which is configured so that saidsolid processing solution cartridge can be set in a vertical positionfor the solid processing solutions to be supplied therefrom, and aholding means for preventing a drop of said solid processing solutioncartridge, said holding member being provided at a position where saidsolid processing solution cartridge containing the solid processingsolutions is inserted.
 11. The photographic processing solutionreplenishing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said holding meansfor holding said solid processing solution cartridge is formed of springsteel.
 12. The photographic processing solution replenishing apparatusaccording to claims 10 or 11, wherein said holding means for holdingsaid solid processing solution cartridge is formed by a solid processingsolution cartridge holding element which is provided at front endsthereof with rollers.
 13. The photographic processing solutionreplenishing apparatus according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the holdingmeans for holding the solid processing solution cartridge is formed by asolid processing solution cartridge holding element which is provided atfront ends thereof with folded portions having slippery members at aninside thereof.
 14. A photographic processing solution replenishingapparatus for supplying solid processing solutions to be dissolvedaccording to consumption of processing solutions for a silver halidephotosensitive material to be treated, wherein a solid processingsolution cartridge containing the solid processing solutions isinsertable into said apparatus, said apparatus comprising:a solidprocessing solution supplying section which is configured so that saidsolid processing solution cartridge can be set in a position for thesolid processing solutions to be supplied therefrom, and a sensor forsensing an inserting motion of said solid processing solution cartridgewhen said solid processing solution cartridge is properly inserted insaid apparatus, and for generating a signal responsive thereto forenabling the solid processing solution supplying section to operate tosupply the solid processing solutions contained in the solid processingsolution cartridge.